Marching Lynx fine-tune show for fall competition
By:
Jamie Hult, Staff writer
Junior drum major Lauren Scarbrough directs the Marching Lynx from her perch. Jill Meier/BV Journal
The Marching Lynx took to their practice field on the grounds of Brandon Valley High in early August, putting in long days of practice to prepare for their first performance of the season, Marching & Melon Madness, which wowed spectators Monday night.
The Marching Lynx premiered its 2017 show theme, “Music Makers,” based on the poem “Ode” by Arthur O’Shaughnessy. The poem begins: “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
“Music Makers” is the story of the life of a musician: their creativity, the power music can have over life, the loneliness musicians feel, and the excitement of achievement and victory.
Show props include 10-foot tall silhouettes of some of the section leaders in the band.
“The quotes printed on the front of the field and the large props are all taken from the poem that the show is based on,” said band director Chris Borchardt.
At Marching & Melon Madness, the Marching Lynx also gave its audience a sneak peek at the competition season to come.
“The Marching Lynx are embarking on a highly-competitive regional schedule, with shows full of some of the region’s finest bands,” Borchardt said. “The Lynx are looking to place highly in each show they attend this year.”
One hundred and fifty students strong, the Marching Lynx consists of 99 winds, 23 percussionists, 18 color guards and 10 techs. Drum majors are Tess Erickson, a senior, Lauren Scarbrough, a junior, and Emily Hensley, a sophomore.
“Our focus is on getting better each day and always becoming better versions of ourselves,” Borchardt said. “We hope to continue to improve and achieve new levels of excellence.”
Competition for the Marching Lynx commences Sept. 9. They’ll host the Big Sioux Review Sept. 30.
Brandon’s band is set to go up against several schools across the tri-state region this fall, including Eden Prairie, Minn. and Eastview, Minn. on Sept. 9, Rosemount, Minn. on Sept. 16, Marshall, Minn. on Sept. 23 and Luverne, Minn. on Sept. 30. They’ll fine-tune the finale of their 2017 season at Sioux Falls on Oct. 7 and Omaha on Oct. 14.
